Trafford began as the rail-side community of Union City, growing up along the Louisville & Nashville Railroad as a trading hub for nearby farms, mines, and river communities. When another stop on the line claimed the Union City name, residents renamed the town in honor of local landowner C. R. Trafford and later incorporated as the Town of Trafford in 1948.

Today, Trafford is a compact, close-knit town of 613 residents (2020 U.S. Census) situated in northern Jefferson County, with a small portion extending into Blount County. Just 25 miles north of downtown Birmingham, it offers a quiet small-town lifestyle within the Greater Birmingham metropolitan area, with convenient access to regional job centers, schools, churches, shopping, and medical services.

Set among rolling hills along the Locust Fork of the Black Warrior River, Trafford blends its natural setting with a proud railroad heritage. The active rail line and elevated trestle bridge remain defining landmarks of the community, drawing rail enthusiasts, photographers, and visitors who come to watch trains cross the river as they have for generations. Outdoor recreation opportunities in the surrounding area—scenic drives, river access points, and nearby trails—add to Trafford’s appeal for residents who value a quieter pace of life.

Trafford operates under a mayor–council form of government and is served by dedicated municipal, public safety, and volunteer personnel who reflect the town’s strong sense of neighbor-to-neighbor support. Residents take pride in community traditions such as seasonal events, youth activities, and local gatherings centered around Town Hall, its churches, parks, and ballfields—continuing the spirit of a town built on connection, hard work, and shared history.